Direct Support Professional

ALSO; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Training

Paid Personal Holidays (5 days)

Referral bonus

Job summary

ALSO is hiring Direct Support Professionals to assist 2-4 individuals with IDD in residential homes in SE Portland, Gresham, Wood Village and Fairview. You will support daily living, health services, and community activities with a strong emphasis on person-centered care.

Shift options include swing and day hours, weekdays and weekends. Training is paid, and a birthday holiday (YAY Day) plus referral bonuses are offered to eligible team members.

Qualifications

• Be dependable and punctual.
• Lift, transfer and reposition up to 50 lbs.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Written reports via computer with proper spelling and grammar.
• Valid driver license preferred.
• Willingness to accompany individuals into the community.
• Caregiving experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Relationship Building with individuals receiving services.
• Direct Support with hygiene, daily living tasks and community activities.
• Medical support under RN guidance and use of medical equipment as trained.
• Positive Behavior Support following person-centered plans.
• Documentation and compliance with MAR, ISP data, and logs.
• Advocacy for choices, autonomy, and community inclusion.

Skills

Dependable and punctual

Able to lift 50 lbs

Written reports per computer

Valid driver license preferred

Willingness to accompany individuals

Caregiving experience helpful

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Are you seeking a meaningful position that contributes to improving the lives of others?

Promote connection, inclusion, and wellness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and start a fulfilling career with ALSO!

Location(s):

SE Portland /Gresham, Wood Village and Fairview

Position Overview:

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at ALSO, you’ll provide person-centered care to 2-4 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential home setting. In addition to assisting with personal care, health services, and behavioral support, you’ll help individuals engage with their communities by accompanying them to appointments, activities, and outings. Because community inclusion is central to our mission, driving is a key part of most DSP positions.

We support adults with I/DD with a variety of support needs. Some people may require more medical care or hygiene assistance, while others need more social, emotional, or behavioral support. Everyone receives person-centered support tailored to their specific needs and wants. This position works within an interdisciplinary team of behavior specialists, nurses, support pros, and leadership committed to advocating for wellness, autonomy, and inclusion.

Shift and program details:

We are currently hiring swing and day shift positions (including weekdays and weekends) within homes that require diligence in maintaining routines and schedules for individuals who need specific support for either medical or behavioral needs. Candidates with some background knowledge or experience in mental health or nursing care are highly considered.

Key Responsibilities:

• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, supportive connections with individuals receiving services and provide backup support coverage when needed.
• Direct Support: Assist with hygiene and medical support as needed, and daily living tasks (i.e. cooking, cleaning, activity planning) both in the home and out in the broader community.
• Medical Support and Nurse Delegations: Under the training and guidance of one of ALSO’s RNs, you may provide assistance with g-tubes, j-tubes, injections, colostomy bags, hoyer lift, and other medical equipment
• Positive Behavior Support: Adhere to person-centered plans and routines that support individual’s sense of safety and emotional regulation
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure proper documentation (MAR, T-Logs, ISP data) is maintained to meet compliance standards.
• Advocacy: Be an advocate for the people you support by promoting choices, autonomy, and community inclusion

Compensation:

• Starting Pay: $19 - $20.50 per hour, based on experience, education, and Veteran status.
• Paid Training: Earn while enhancing your skills.
• Paid Personal Holidays: 5 days, including a special "YAY Day" for your birthday.
• Referral bonus: Up to $500 per referral!

Qualifications:

• Be dependable and punctual;
• Be able to lift, transfer, push/pull, maneuver and reposition 50 lbs.;
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Be able to prepare written reports via computer using proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Valid driver license preferred.
• Willingness to accompany individuals out in thecommunity.
• Experience as a caregiver is great but not required! Do you work in a warehouse, in retail, in customer service, or as a driver and want a change? Restart your career at ALSO as a Direct Support Professional!
• All candidates considered for employment are required to successfully pass a comprehensive background check prior to joining ALSO and ongoing every two years.

Why Join ALSO?

At ALSO, we do work of the heart. This meaningful work brings out the bold, the compassionate, and the passionate. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and become an integral part of their communities. Join us in making a real difference. Make Heart Work YOUR Work.

Advocates for Life Skills & Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants without regard to age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.